autumn catch-all

[startraveler]

WHO: Aether and you!
WHAT: Open prompts
WHEN: Throughout autumn
WHERE: Various
WARNINGS: None for now


A. Arco Lunar
[The date with Steinbeck aside, Aether is curious to explore Arco Lunar on his own. You may see him looking at the sea while leaning against the railing, trying out different dishes in the buffet and peeking inside the spa or massage studio.

It's really rare for him to be surrounded by such luxury. He's just a traveler, after all and the best he can usually get is a comfy, but modest room in an inn... or his current home.]

B. The Dulces Sueños Resort
[Obviously, Aether wouldn't be himself if he wasn't curious about the resort. Perhaps you are the one who invited him to go, perhaps the two of you just bumped into each other and now venture into the resort together.

If you use the open bath together with Aether you will pick up that beneath the optimistic demeanour, there's actually a lot of lingering loneliness and exhaustion.

If the two of you end up spending the night in the same room, you will see one of Aether's memories. Was it a good one of fun festivals? Or was a sad memory of something lost?]

C. Chocolates
[Perhaps you are minding your own business, when suddenly someone hugs you. A sheepish voice quickly says:]

Sorry! I didn't really mean that...

[The traveler laughs softly, if not a bit awkwardly and pulls away. The chocolates he received seem to cause the person who has eaten them to want to hug others. Aether wasn't aware of that, of course, so he tried one in the morning and its effect seems to linger for the time being. It's a bit awkward, but he doesn't mind too much.

He may be giving some away depending if you're fine with such an effect or not. Or maybe he'll just decide that you need all the hugs you can get and will gift you one without an explanation.]

D. Wildcard
[If you'd like your own starter, a completely different prompt, etc feel free to contact me at discord Ashka#4609 or plurk (spiritualwhisper)! Or just go for it. Also if you'd like to do something from his bingo that's also fine! :D ]

Comments

[startraveler]

[He knows that Diluc would understand him well, but he still finds himself lost for words. The only thing he can do is sink a little more into the other's warmth, comforted by his presences and the fact that they can both relate to one another.]

Thank you for your kindness, Diluc. [He murmurs.] ...She's out there, somewhere. She's strong so it's fine. I shouldn't worry about her.

[His voice is tiny, a soft sigh follows.]

But I miss her a lot.

[Perhaps this is more like when Diluc and Kaeya wouldn't talk to one another. Aether knows his sister is with the Abyss, but he doesn't understand her reasoning, he doesn't know why she insists to keep her distance. They've always been together before that. Always.

...So why can't he understand her?]

We'll meet again. I know it. My journey is far from over.

[pyronic]

[He understands the feeling of familial loss quite well, but Aether's relationship with his sister is a touch different. They're so close, after all. Diluc can imagine the two of them were nigh inseparable from the way he speaks of her. He and Kaeya had always been close, but never to such a degree.

Diluc parts from their hug after a time, but he doesn't go far, picking up the hairbrush and motioning for Aether to turn around. He did say he'd help him with his hair, after all.]

That's a good attitude. I believe you'll meet her again as well, and when you do, you've got allies in your corner who will help you no matter what may happen.

[If his sister is in need of rescuing, Aether has a great many friends to help him in his efforts.]

[startraveler]

[He's reluctant to let go, but doesn't try to keep Diluc close, giving the other a soft smile. His companion has done so much for him already.

When he sees the other reach for the brush, Aether turns around. His golden hair falls freely down his shoulders.]

Thank you... I know I can always count on you all. [But he pauses and something different resounds in his voice.] I know you would help me no matter what.

[He sounds like he speaks with a heavy heart and that is true. He knows his sister may be on the opposite side and he can't imagine how much his heart would break if one day they would have to confront one another instead of a happy reunion.

He can't imagine bringing anyone to that either. It... is a personal matter, just between the two of them.]

[pyronic]

[Diluc starts at the bottom and untangles any knots he comes across with a gentle and patient touch. He understands the woes of maintaining long hair, but with hair as nice as Aether's, it's worth putting in the effort to care for it properly.

That heaviness in Aether's tone doesn't elude him, and his fingers stall their work for just a moment, just long enough to set a warm palm on Aether's shoulder.]

That's right. I'm not one to go back on my word, either. If the situation is dire, you shouldn't hesitate to call on me.

[So he says, and so he intends, but whether Aether takes him up on the offer is not something he can say with any certainty. What they're discussing his highly personal to him, after all.]

...Even if it hurts, even if you're afraid, that's no reason to go it alone. We're friends, Aether. Working together with you has taught me that not everything can be accomplished by oneself. That's why I insist on returning the favor, should that day come.

[startraveler]

[He appreciates the gentleness with which Diluc treats him and the comfort that his words bring. It makes his shoulders relax, his eyes close. He trust his companion fully.]

Thank you.

[His voice is tiny, almost not like him. But then again, Aether feels deeply moved by the care he's receiving. So much so, that he's unsure what to do with it. He doesn't want to drag his companion into his own troubles, but at the same time... he wants to let go and allow himself to find comfort in someone else.

With dear friends such as Diluc, how can he possibly feel alone? He just has to let them into his own heart.]

I will remember about it. I... could never get this far without your help anyway.

[He owes his companions so much, so obviously he wants to see them happy. He cares about them dearly.]